EARN THE RIGHT with Trevor Young

"If you’re able to communicate a shade different, just a bit more distinct or personal, you’re already ahead of the game." - Jason Malouin

This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications, and content creation.

Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy.

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In this episode of Earn the Right, Trevor Young is joined by Jason Malouin, founder of Superpower Portraits, to explore what really makes someone distinctive.

Drawing on a pivotal professional encounter in Dubai, as well as his background in theatre, wilderness guiding and photography, Jason challenges the idea that differentiation comes from simply creating a sharper message, better visual identity or more polished personal brand.

Instead, he argues for going deeper into your own context: understanding your experiences, values, beliefs, worldview and capabilities, then finding the language to communicate them in a way that is genuinely yours.

The conversation explores what happens when we start “performing” distinctiveness rather than expressing something real, why the seemingly simple question “Why you?” can be surprisingly difficult to answer, and how self-awareness can become a source of strategic differentiation.

Along the way, Jason introduces some memorable ideas, including the difference between “standing out” and “standing in”, developing a personal lexicon, communicating in 3D, and the difference between a “mic drop” and a “pin drop” moment.

Key Takeaways:

• Surface branding vs. deeper context: Colours, messaging and visual identity can shape how you're perceived, but genuine distinctiveness starts with understanding the person behind the brand.
• The “Why you?” question: It's surprisingly difficult to explain what makes you distinctive beyond your skills, services or methodology.
• Define your values for yourself: Words like “integrity” only become meaningful when you can explain exactly what they mean in your own life and work.
• Context is a competitive advantage: Your particular combination of experiences, beliefs, perspectives and capabilities can create something other people can't simply reproduce.
• Communicate in 3D: Jason explores the interplay between heartset, mindset and skillset, moving beyond what you do to communicate who you are and how you see the world.
• Standing in vs. standing out: Distinctiveness isn't about being louder or manufacturing uniqueness. It's what can emerge when you're deeply grounded in your own experience and perspective.
• Mic drop vs. pin drop: The loudest communication isn't necessarily the most powerful. Sometimes a quieter, more nuanced observation creates the deeper moment of connection.
• Becoming difficult to copy: The more your communication reflects your particular context and perspective, the less it can be replicated by simply following a formula.
• Authenticity isn't a tactic: Authenticity emerges from the work of understanding yourself and bringing that understanding consistently into how you communicate and operate.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to build a personal brand that is genuinely distinctive, deeply grounded and impossible to copy.

Check out Jason's website - https://www.superpowerportraits.com/

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"If you've got genuine authority, it's not about being noisy, it's about just holding your space and owning it." Susanna Reay

This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications, and content creation.

Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy.

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In this episode of Earn The Right, Trevor Young sits down with Susannah Reay, renowned framework strategist, consultant, and author of Framework Thinking: Sketch, Scale, Be Sought.

Susanna shares her expertise on transforming intangible service-based businesses into clear, visual frameworks that elevate authority and provide a strategic edge in today’s crowded expert marketplace.

What You’ll Learn

The Power of Frameworks: Why turning your IP into a memorable framework makes your ideas stick, simplifies complex offerings, and creates a foundation for authority.

Frameworks vs. Personal Brand: Susannah explains why being an “authority brand” goes beyond mere personal branding, offering a more robust and less exhausting path to credibility.

Defining a Framework: A framework is not necessarily rigid but acts like an umbrella -providing structure, recognition, and flexibility, and helping prospects understand your unique approach.

Visual Thinking & Simplicity: Visual frameworks, from Venn diagrams to pyramids, make it easier for audiences to grasp what you do and remember your process, no artistic skills required.

Naming and Narrating Your IP: The importance of naming your framework, giving life to your process, and building a story-driven approach that resonates with potential clients.

Framework Thinking Method: Susannah introduces the four elements of her proprietary Framework Thinking approach:

• Visual Recognition
• Impact Detection
• Boundary Setting
• Transfer Integrity

Application Across Industries: Examples of how frameworks apply - from accountants and lawyers to coaches, consultants, and even animal communicators - any business of transformation can benefit.

Don’t Hide Your Mona Lisa: Why too many experts keep their best thinking hidden - the "Mona Lisa in the basement" - and how exposing it through frameworks can turn ideas into recognized authority.

Framework as Marketing: Using your framework as a Trojan horse for niche marketing and authority positioning—becoming known for “one thing,” even when you do many.

Publish and Protect: How making your framework public actually helps protect your IP, accelerates visibility, attracts opportunities, and builds loyal fans.

Key Takeaways

• Simplicity, structure, and visibility of ideas are critical in building authority.
• Frameworks should be clear enough to draw on a sticky note - aim for between 3 and 7 steps.
• Authority is built on showcasing transformation, not just telling people what you do.
• Start with one-to-one work, uncover your core transformation method, and then scale with frameworks.
• Get your framework right before ramping up visibility efforts.

About the Book

Framework Thinking: Sketch, Scale, Be Sought by Susannah Reay is available in hardback and paperback. Designed as a practical guide, with purposely chosen square format and actionable exercises. The book is meant to remain open on your desk, ready to help you map, name, and share your expertise.

Connect with Susanna

• Website: susannareay.com or frameworkthinking.uk
• LinkedIn: Search Susannah Reay and reach out to her if you want help developing your own framework.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to turn expertise into a leverageable, memorable authority brand.

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"Good thought leadership can grate against the norms. It can grate against what has always thought to be true." - David J. Ebner

This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications, and content creation.

Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy.

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In This Episode

How do you build a powerful, human-centered personal brand in a world where AI-generated content is flooding our feeds?

And once you've built it, how do you use AI as a tool without letting it flatten your voice?

Trevor Young digs deep into these big questions with David J. Ebner, an expert in story-first content and founder of Content Workshop.

Highlights

• The Power Shift: Why your unique story matters more than ever in an AI-saturated environment
• Brand Storytelling Redefined: David discusses why the best brand stories aren’t about you - they’re about the impact you have on your audience
• Human vs. AI: What AI can do, what it can’t, and why relying solely on it is a recipe for “sea of sameness”
• Bringing Back Authenticity: How long-form content and newsletters are roaring back, and the authenticity premium in a noisy digital space
• Thought Leadership in the AI Age: The difference between informational and educational content (and why the latter matters most if you want to stand out)
• Actionable Tactics: Practical tips for solo founders and expert practitioners to inject more story, emotion, and credibility into their content—without losing their voice to the robots
• The Human-AI Sandwich: How David blends human creativity and AI efficiency at his agency
• Pitfalls to Avoid: The hidden costs, risks, and strategic mistakes brands make when over-relying on AI for content

Quick Takeaways

• Storytelling isn’t just a buzzword - done right, it’s your secret weapon in the digital age.
• AI is a powerful tool, not a replacement for original thought, lived experience, or authentic voice.
• The most memorable brands and thought leaders are those who embrace vulnerability and connect emotionally with their audience.
• Want to reclaim your voice? Go deep, get curious, and don’t settle for “good enough” AI output.

Resources & Links

• Content Workshop (check for upcoming courses on AI and authentic content)
• Books mentioned: "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek, "King Makers" by David J. Ebner

Subscribe and don’t miss future episodes as we unpack the biggest shifts, tools, and thinking in personal branding and content creation.

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This episode's featured track is POCKET PR ESSENTIALS - your audio playbook for mastering PR, content and digital communications for your business, and personal brand.

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In episodes 316 and 318, we looked at the vexed issue of Marketing vs PR: The black, the white … and the grey.

In this episode, I revisit this general theme, with a focus on the customer journey and how people buy today, especially in B2B, and more specifically, services-based businesses, where the path to purchase can often be somewhat complex, or convoluted.

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ABOUT EARN THE RIGHT:

EARN THE RIGHT is an audio channel for reputation-based authority building, and turning credibility into real-world recognition and opportunity.

Hosted by Trevor Young, it’s for credible founders, experts, and solo practitioners who’ve earned their stripes and are ready to amplify their voice with integrity.

Across four distinct (but interrelated) tracks you’ll get the ideas, stories, and strategies that help you cut through the noise and build lasting authority.

Subscribe to the EARN THE RIGHT newsletter - EarnTheRight.co

"The brand is me - everything I do feeds into my creative ecosystem." - Courtney Kocak

This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications, and content creation.

Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy.

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In This Episode:

“Pick a lane!” We’ve all heard it, but for solopreneurs, sticking to one passion feels outdated. Today's guest is living proof that you can build a thriving, multi-hyphenate creative career without boxing yourself in. If you’re wrestling with how to blend your creative pursuits, escape “niche” pressure, or monetize a multi-channel brand, this conversation is for you.

Author, podcaster, comedian, screenwriter, and teacher Courtney Kocak joins Trevor Young to break down the reality of being a multi-passionate solopreneur, and how to connect the dots so your ecosystem works for you (not against you).

Key Takeaways:

• You Are the Brand: Courtney explains why she ditched the “pick a lane” advice and let her personal brand encompass writing, podcasting, comedy, and teaching — allowing every channel to amplify the others.
• Ecosystem Over Silos: Building an interconnected “multi-channel” ecosystem lets superfans follow you across platforms, supports multiple revenue streams, and reduces creator burnout.
• Organic Growth + Strategy: Courtney's creative evolution was “organic,” but teaching and community-building nudged her toward a more intentional, business-minded structure, including her use of Substack newsletters and podcasts that feed back into her classes.
• The Content Flywheel: Courtney demonstrates how essays, podcasts, newsletters, and stand-up feed each other, and how existing content can be repurposed into books, courses, and more.
• Collaboration & Networking: Podcasting isn’t just about audience; it’s a “networking tool” that has led to collaborations, blurbs, book events, and reviews that fuel Courtney's creative business.
• Show Up as a Human: Consistent, authentic presence across platforms is key make it easy for people to find you and connect the dots between your projects.
• Multi-Channel Monetization: Courtney shares practical ways to build diverse income streams — from ad-supported podcasts and paid newsletters to classes, freelance writing, sponsorships, and affiliate revenue.
• Batching & Prioritization: The secret to managing “all the things?” Ruthless prioritization and batching—focusing on one creative mode at a time, not juggling them all every day.
• Keep Learning (and Then Teach): Ongoing learning from classes and mentors powers Courtney's evolution, and lets her create new offerings for her audience.

Action Steps:

• Design Your Ecosystem: Map how your projects can reinforce each other, rather than compete.
• Embrace “Multi-Passionate” as a Strength: Don’t let “niche” pressure kill your curiosity or breadth — bring yourself to every medium.
• Prioritize and Batch: Group similar tasks, plan your seasons, and focus intensely on a few things at a time to avoid overwhelm.
• Be Visible and Findable: Use consistent handles, cross-promote, and show up authentically to help your audience connect all your dots.
• Master the Pivot: Let your interests and revenue streams evolve, and give yourself permission to synthesize and shift as you grow.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Girl Gone Wild (Courtney’s memoir)
• Private Parts Unknown, Podcast Bestie, The Bleeders (Courtney’s podcasts)
• Substack for writers and podcasters

Connect with Courtney:

• Website
• Instagram @courtneykocak
• Substack (all newsletters via her main profile)

This episode's featured track is IN THE ARENA - Trevor Young’s unfiltered take on earning authority in real time — sharp, strategic riffs on content, credibility, connection, and the courage to keep showing up.

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Welcome to Earn the Right, your go-to audio platform for building reputation-based authority, mastering PR, and transforming credibility into career-defining opportunities.

In today's "In the Arena" episode, Trevor Young looks at what savvy PR in action looks like through the work of US-based speaking and storytelling consultant, Jay Acunzo, a credible expert who builds his brand and business using smart, sustained PR.

With so many tactics on offer, expert founders and solo practice owners often get tangled up working out what PR is versus what marketing is, and which activities to focus on. Jay offers a working answer through how he shows up, day after day.

This episode walks through the activities Jay shared in a recent LinkedIn post for building an audience without relying on social media feeds. Organising local meetups, giving free talks to companies, writing guest columns for niche media, pitching himself to podcasts, contributing to expert roundups, hosting his own show, saying yes to coffees and networking calls, attending events for years, and keeping a steady writing practice and email newsletter going.

You'll hear why PR today is not just about getting your name in the press, why face-to-face still matters in an AI-dominated world, and why going "off Broadway" into quieter rooms and overlooked venues is where authority gets built, conversation by conversation.

Whether you're a consultant, coach, expert founder, or seasoned solo practice owner ready to raise your profile in a sustainable, human way, this episode gives you a practical model to follow.

PR is about earning the right to market your wares to people. Credibility before conversion.

Let's get into it!

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Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Earn the Right newsletter 

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!

This episode's featured track is POCKET PR ESSENTIALS - your audio playbook for mastering PR, content and digital communications for your business, and personal brand.

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WHERE DOES PR FIT IN THE OVERALL SCHEME OF THINGS -- LET'S BREAK IT DOWN

In this episode I unpack what I call my 'Marketing Communications Pyramid'. 

This is a framework I've used for years to break down the various elements that make up the marketing mix; I do this so I can, in turn, isolate the PR elements and where they sit in the broader picture.

CHECK OUT THE PYRAMID - CLICK HERE

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ABOUT EARN THE RIGHT:

EARN THE RIGHT is an audio channel for reputation-based authority building, and turning credibility into real-world recognition and opportunity.

Hosted by Trevor Young, it’s for credible founders, experts, and solo practitioners who’ve earned their stripes and are ready to amplify their voice with integrity.

Across four distinct (but interrelated) tracks you’ll get the ideas, stories, and strategies that help you cut through the noise and build lasting authority.

Subscribe to the EARN THE RIGHT newsletter - EarnTheRight.co

In today’s sea of AI-generated noise, real authority comes from genuine conversations 👉 Podcast guesting isn’t just a marketing tool, it’s how credibility and trust are earned, sustainable, over time.

This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications.

Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy.

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In This Episode:

Podcast guesting is more than a visibility game - done right, it’s one of the most powerful ways for experts and leaders to earn authority, transfer trust, and cut through a noisy AI-saturated world.

Tom Schwab, founder of Interview Valet and a trailblazer in podcast interview marketing, joins Trevor Young to break down how intentional podcast guesting can transform your business and reputation.

Key Takeaways:

• Conversations over funnels: Tom debunks the myth that sales start with automation, arguing that “you’re just one conversation away” from your next big client, partner, or team member.
• Podcasting in 2026: Discover how the podcast medium has evolved - blurring lines with video, on-demand content, and new distribution platforms.
• Strategy first: Why throwing yourself at every podcast is pointless - Tom shares the smart way to pick shows, pitch yourself, and show up with value.
• Be a magnet, not a megaphone: Attract your perfect clients and repel the wrong ones. Learn how a focused guesting strategy works better than chasing fame or big-name shows.
• Master the pitch: No copy-paste emails! How to introduce yourself as a human, offer a killer topic, and make it easy for hosts to say yes.
• Collaboration wins: The best podcast experiences come from guests who treat appearances as relationships, not transactions.
• Leverage your appearance: Don’t “set and forget” - promote your interviews, repurpose content, and use each appearance as an authority-building asset.
• The ultimate authority transfer: Why third-party endorsement from trusted hosts builds trust faster than any self-promotion ever could.

Action Steps:

• Get intentional: Decide who you want to reach and why.
• Do your homework: Research, engage, and pitch with care.
• Be professional: Show up, add value, and always promote the show afterwards.
• Build your digital footprint: Hosts (and AI) are watching!

Useful Links:

• Interview Valet Welcome Page for EARN THE RIGHT: Templates, free resources, and more from Tom Schwab.

Don’t forget: The best opportunities come from showing up, offering value, and earning the right to be heard.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review - and start earning your authority today!

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Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Earn the Right Substack

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!

This episode's featured track is IN THE ARENA - Trevor Young’s unfiltered take on earning authority in real time — sharp, strategic riffs on content, credibility, connection, and the courage to keep showing up.

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Welcome to Earn the Right, your go-to audio platform for building reputation-based authority, mastering PR, and transforming credibility into career-defining opportunities.

In today’s “In the Arena” episode, Trevor Young takes a deep dive into authority branding - what it is, who it’s for, and how you can leverage it to become not just respected, but recognised and sought out in your field.

In a noisy world crowded with influencers, growth hackers, and short-lived tactics, seasoned professionals often find their hard-won expertise overshadowed.

This episode unpacks why being the best isn’t enough - today, you have to be known, trusted, and top of mind. We’ll break down the essential components of authority branding, explore who should invest in it, share hypothetical examples, and highlight the pitfalls to avoid.

Whether you’re a consultant, coach, founder, or seasoned expert ready to step out of obscurity and lead the conversation in your industry, this episode will give you practical tools and ideas to ensure your personal brand truly reflects your expertise.

Let’s get into it, because the market doesn’t reward the best; it rewards the best known.

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Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Earn the Right newsletter 

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!

If AI doesn’t mention you, you don’t exist. 👉 Generative AI is changing the game: from search rankings to synthesised answers, your reputation matters more than ever.

This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications.

Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy.

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This episode dives straight into the revolution happening in search and reputation - where discovery, validation, and authority-building are being transformed by GenAI.

Host Trevor Young - along with expert guests Darryl Sparey and Simon Murphy - take listeners into the trenches of PR, communications, and AI, unpacking how leaders, experts and brands can earn their presence in the generative AI landscape.

What’s covered:

• Why traditional SEO strategies aren’t enough, and what “Generative Engine Optimisation” really means.
• The rise of GenAI as the go-to for deep questions, synthesised answers, and (personal) brand credibility.
• Why B2B decision-makers and consumers are moving to GenAI - and what it means for your visibility, reputation, and commercial impact.
• How AI platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Copilot, and Claude have different rules and partnerships that influence what gets surfaced.
• The critical role of earned media, owned media, and structured content - plus, why regularly updating your 'About' page is now mission-critical.
• Actionable advice for leaders, founders, and experts: how to proactively audit, create, and position content that gets recognized and cited by AI.
• The new “authority stack” – structured web content, consistent entity presence (LinkedIn, Wikipedia, directories), and meaningful earned media mentions in both small and big outlets.

Key takeaways:

• Does your brand really exist if GenAI doesn’t recognise it - proactivity is key!
• The right kind of content and citations matter more than ever - depth beats breadth.
• Freshness and consistency trump old-school “set-and-forget” SEO techniques.
• Smaller, niche players can leverage agility to outpace bigger brands in GenAI-driven discovery.

Who should listen?

PR pros, marketers, founders, thought leaders, and anyone serious about reputation and authority in the age of AI.

Connect with the experts:

• Darryl Sparey: hardnumbers.co.uk, LinkedIn
• Simon Murphy: LinkedIn, indigomurphy.com

Ready to earn your right to be discovered? Tune in and set your strategy for the AI-powered future of reputation!

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Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Earn the Right Substack

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!